I have a Yahoo group for the Distant Reiki Healing Circle which I participate in. One of the members is working with parents and caregivers of special needs, special children. We have previously discussed using Reiki with them and the children but she is wanting to start a class for the caregivers. She asked me the following question, and since I am not a parent or ever was one, and have no insight on working with them I am passing on this question to those of you who do have experience. I will greatly appreciate any input you can provide and will pass it on to my friend. Here is her question:
If you have any insights into what parents and caregivers of special
needs children could find useful as part of a class, I would love to
hear them!
We are talking not just about disabled children but autistics, ADD, hyperactive, typical Indigo and Crystal children. Have at it gang.
In Love and Light
Berry
--- Post removed at author's request ---
What valuable advice Elizabeth. I am sure that this is going to give my friend much to work with. I hadn't thought about teaching the children self-reiki. Hmmmm. Great idea from a mom who knows. Right?
With Light and Love brightening the dark side
Berry
--- Post removed at author's request ---
I also practice Reiki but my suggestion involves a kind of therapeutic play. All of Elizabeth's suggestions are wonderful but I'm wonderomg if any of the parents or children have worked with rhythm/sound.
One of the things I facilitate is a program called 'HealthRhythms' which is an evidence based protocol that can be used with children, adults, seniors. I'd suggest looking into whether there is a HealthRhythms facilitator anywhere nearby. This is not only a wonderful way to get through to children on lots of levels that don't otherwise respond (autism, etc) it can be a tremendous stress reducer and has the ability to open hearts and minds of caregivers as well. It can be wonderfully 'team building' and open lines of communication between adults that may be tense or blocked. It is being used with cancer patients, with team members that work in long term care facilities, in nursing homes etc.
You can find HealthRhythms trained facilitators through Remo drums website and read more about the program there. Championed by Dr. Barry Bittman (neurologist) and Christine Stephens, a music therapist, it is pretty amazing in action.
http://www.remo.com/portal/hr/index.html
Namaste. kristyne
Krystine
Thank you so much for your input. I am immediately going to pass this along to Andrea. She is already so very grateful for the information that you all have provided and will certainly appreciate this too. You all are so full of love for these children and their parents who are attempting to provide relief, healing and direction for their little loved ones.
With Light and Love brightening the dark side
Berry